Year of Moldova’s ruler Stephen the Great and Holy launched

Chisinau, 2 February /MOLDPRES/ – The Year of Stefan cel Mare si Sfant, Domnitor al Moldovei (Stephen the Great and Holy, Ruler of Moldova), was launched at a festive gathering held at the Palace of the Republic in Chisinau today.

The event was attended by President of Moldova, Igor Dodon, Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova, IPS Vladimir, representatives of central and local administration and diplomatic corps accredited in Chisinau.

In his greeting message, President, Igor Dodon, mentioned that "our great ruler represents the supreme symbol of Moldovan statehood and our pride as a country and people." "Therefore, we felt obliged to celebrate not only on occasion of various anniversaries, but to establish an Year devoted to the great deeds committed by the King and rich legacy left by Stefan," said Igor Dodon.

According to the official, the Christian – Orthodox religion is our national bond, which is a solid foundation for our moral principles, it shares our traditions and norms of life. "As a citizen, I am glad to know that this lesson was given us half a millennium ago by our great King," said the Head of State.

At his turn, the Metropolitan of Chisinau and All Moldova, IPS Vladimir, stated that Stephen the Great and the Holy manifested a great love for the faith. "He was not only a defender, but also a confessor of the Christian faith. He was a man of prayer, a man of righteousness and Christian love. Stephen the Great created an era for the whole of Europe," said IPS Vladimir.

The festive gathering was followed by a concert by several artists from Moldova.

Interviewed by journalists, President, Igor Dodon, said that there are to be organized more cultural actions dedicated to ruler Stephen the Great and Holy during 2018. These include: edification of the ruler’s busts in various localities, editing of album: Stefan cel Mare and Sfant, bringing of some ecclesiastical and historical relics from Greece and Turkey related to name of great rule, organization of exhibitions, scientific conferences, sports competitions, editing works (science and popularization), concerts, film production, various thematic contests etc.

The activities will be carried out in all localities of Moldova, in cities from abroad where exist important Moldovan communities, as well as in diplomatic missions of Moldova in the world.

Year 2018 was declared the Year of Stephen the Great and Holy by a presidential decree signed on 02 July 2017.

(Reporter N. Roibu, editor A. Raileanu)